Taking a trip down Memory Lane can have many benefits for aging adults. According to the APA (American Psychological Association), therapies that most effectively improve psychological well-being include reminiscence in their practice.

The best activities for reminiscing invoke all the senses: hearing, sight, taste, touch, and smell. Involving memory-inducing activities, such as playing the piano, rocking a baby, or even folding laundry can help seniors living with Alzheimer’s or dementia improve their mood and reduce agitation.

Benefits of Reminiscing

  1. Improve Quality of Life. Reflecting on happy memories can help seniors experience a more positive outlook on life. Engaging in lively conversation is energizing.
  2. Reduce Symptoms of Depression. Seniors suffering from dementia and depression< are often prescribed reminiscence therapy. This is because reflecting on their lives helps them find greater satisfaction in their golden years.
  3. Lower Stress Levels. Another beautiful benefit of reminiscing is its ability to reduce stress levels. Some theorize that reliving the past can help seniors work through unresolved problems that were never mentally released. It offers a sort of closure or comfort. Those that have experienced loss may be able to work through their grief by telling stories about the deceased.
  4. Preserve Family History. There’s nothing like stories from your senior loved one to bring your family history to life. These stories can be passed on for generations to come and help your loved one leave a legacy. Many families know little to nothing about their parents’ or grandparents’ childhood, youth, or even young adulthood. Not to mention, these reminiscence sessions have a way of bringing families closer together.
  5. Improve Self-Esteem. The aging process can sometimes diminish self esteem for some individuals. Reminiscing can help show your aging loved one what a rich and meaningful life they’ve already lived. It also helps them re-establish feelings of importance and purpose. Reminiscing with loved ones and family also makes the senior feel heard and important, which boosts self-esteem.

Ideas for Helping Seniors Reminisce

If your senior loved one doesn’t know where to start or just needs someone to help them out with reminiscing, here are some tips for getting the most out of the experience.

  1. Talk about family traditions. Ask your loved one about their family traditions when they were growing up or the ones that they adopted for their own family in adulthood. Rehashing family traditions can bring up fond memories associated with them. Most traditions are established around special days like birthdays and holidays and are most likely to have a positive association.
  2. Play their favorite songs. There’s just something about music that incites memories. A wedding song or a favorite band from their youth can help stir up the memories associated. Studies show that music is a powerful tool for awakening the memories of those dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
  3. Look at old photographs or video footage. Viewing familiar places and faces together can help prompt memories or stories that you may never have even heard before. It may lead to a great conversation and help preserve some pieces of family history, too. Photo albums, high school yearbooks, and old home movies are all great sources for stirring up memories.
  4. Chat about their favorite hobbies. If they loved fishing, talk about your favorite memories of fishing together, favorite fishing trips, favorite type of fishing, biggest catch they ever reeled in, etc.
  5. Incorporate objects. Use knick knacks displayed in their home and ask about the story behind them. For example, if they’ve always loved sewing, incorporating spools of thread and cuts of fabric into the conversation may be helpful for them.

Reminiscing with Rosewood Village

The team at Rosewood Village knows the importance of reminiscing, especially in our Memory Care community. Last month, we relived the 1950s with themed celebrations throughout the month. From fashion to listening to 50s rock and roll favorites like Elvis Presley and the Everly Brothers.

The team also enjoyed getting involved, as evidenced by Executive Director, Chrstine Wright making a special appearance as a Pink Lady!

reminiscing for memory benefits at rosewood

Jell-O became popular in the 50s, so we made strawberry Jello with real strawberries and orange Jello with real pineapple. We reminisced about Jello dishes we enjoyed as kids. What a fun and yummy (and beneficial) activity!

memory care at rosewood village

Rosewood Village’s Award-Winning Memory Care Program

Our award-winning Innovations Memory Care Program provides our resident family with the best possible care from a compassionate and talented team.

Our program participants enjoy ample time in selected memory-care areas where they have many opportunities for spontaneous, one-on-one interaction and socialization between residents and our expert care providers. Our family of residents can also participate in small-group activities that lend an atmosphere of engagement in both mental and physical exercises.

Our Innovations Program sets the standard for care for residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other memory-related concerns.

Schedule a visit to learn more about how our program can help you or your loved one live a more fulfilling, safe, and happy life.

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